[Galvantula]

Chapter 1 Part 1: As Darkness foretold

It was as fine a night as possible. Crimson lighting lashed out in the night sky with ominous thunder following soon after. Cliffs with jaded edges and ends litter the landscape, with a castle at its summit. Made of iron and stone, it appeared to be darker than the night itself. Inside however told a different, but even more horrifying story. Plum drapes hung over like the shadow of death over charcoal gray walls. Paintings of demonic creatures were placed on the walls with the greatest of care, but to a human, they wouldn't really be considered as art in a traditional sense.

But the worst part was its owner, a being known only as Overshadow. No one really knows where and how he came to this world and conquered it, but it was no secret that he was a cruel and unforgiving man. Wearing a black and purple rode adored with magical symbols of protection and a helmet that covered his eyes and head, leaving only his mouth exposed, he is an imposing figure indeed.

He was known for his fondness of executing his enemies and extorting wealth and obedience from the populace. Anything that dared to question his regime or Overshadow himself was met with the harshest of punishments. All whom were of age must serve in his army of pay the price with their very lives.

In his throne room he has called the five who would be the spearhead of the invasion. The leader was a humanoid bat with white fur and blood-red eyes. He was however a notorious klutz but out of the quintet, his power was second to none. To his right was his second in command, a frog woman with eyes as black as a moonless night and powerful legs that could, in theory, bring down a telephone pole with ease. But she was a cheerful soul, loved for her kindness and good humor. Lurking nearby was a kelpie that stands like a man, with a misanthropic personality to match his harsh looks. But to the vampire bat, he is a good friend and a honorable warrior, having grown up and trained together ever since they were children.A werewolf with silver fur and crushing jaws stood arms akimbo by the kelpie. He loves children and is a warm-hearted fellow, but he is young and too headstrong for his own good sometimes. Next to the bat was a siren, with wings folded down as a sort of makeshift cape and a long, jaded beak, sharp claws and talons, and eyes that are sharper still. She is thought of as like a mother to the others, even though she is only a few years older than the bat, frogwoman, siren, werewolf and kelpie, giving advice that helps them out from time to time. She is greedy and has been known to hoard money from time to time, but due to her helpful nature this is often overlooked.

"Warriors", Overshadow boomed, "Today marks a momentous occasion for all of us. Our mystics have finally opened a portal to Earth. I wish for each of you to research this world as best you can, because tonight we shall conquer this plane of existence for for the glory of the Nightshade Empire!!!"

Loud and thunderous applause emerged from monitors installed in the throne room. Those cheering the good news were the Zorigummies, clockwork foot soldiers that are mass produced and are reputed to be quite deadly. Other than the generals and about 30 other monsters lurking about the castle, the Nightshade Empire is mostly automated, since maintenance is always needed for the castle and no organic being can go on forever, as Overshadow found out the hard way.

"Eh, I won't miss the locals. They had their chance and blew it big time" the kelpie snarled.

"Oh come on, the humans are kinda charming, don't cha think? Just give 'em a chance, I think you'll turn around" the frogwoman said.

"Still, it should be noted than humans judge on appearance. We're going to need these." the siren stated with a motherly tone. In her claws was a chest with five cellphones inside, each adored with black tribal markings on the casings. All five had a different color to them, one each was red, blue, green, yellow and pink.

"Ah man, I wish these weren't touchscreens. You know how bad I am with things like this" the vampire moaned. The kelpie groaned in annoyance at his statement.

"Don't you worry about a thing, I'll be happy to help you out with these babies!" the werewolf happily declared. "Anything is easy once you have enough practice. Just give me the word, ol buddy"

Overshadow cleared his throat to get the others' attention back at him and gave them a colored key as well, each matching with the aforementioned cellphones. "Our R&D department has come up with vehicles using our latest technology. They can combine into a giant warrior than shall crush all that dare to oppose our rule! Once you locate your designated vehicle, you only have a few hours to pack up all your personal belongings. Any thing else that you need you must accumulate yourselves. The cellphones you have been given as known as Cloaking Cells. Each will allow you to turn into human form as well as suit you with high-performance battle gear. They are auto repairing and are not to be treated lightly. Do you understand?" He proclaimed with his teeth bared. All five nodded in fearful agreement.

Next time on NightMaranger: The five know that the humans will be conquered just like their people were! They shall rebel and become the NightMaranger for the first time to defend the Earth from Overshadow's madness!